Culligan vs. Big Box

January 29th, 2014

“Why should I have the Culligan Man come to my home and install a reverse osmosis system when I can buy one from a big box store?” It’s the question of many people who are considering a fairly large purchase like a reverse osmosis or water softener system. Big Box Retailers may often have Culligan systems beat on price, but you won’t get the same experience of buying from your local Culligan Man who is committed to both exceptional quality and service. Let’s compare:

Big Box Retailers don’t typically make most of their own products. They resell products. Generally, this leads them to look for a low-price supplier so they can have a reasonable markup for profit. Suppliers, then, may have to cut costs on their products to compete for the Big Box Store business.

An easy way for suppliers to cut costs is the use of cheaper materials and labor. By offshoring manufacturing to companies outside of the United States, suppliers can save on labor, and by designing simple products that utilize cheap materials, suppliers can save on materials. For reverse osmosis systems, this typically translates into using low cost plastics, materials, and components. It also can mean reducing features that enhance efficiency, such as eliminating a cut-off pressure switch and allowing waste water to run to drain constantly. These cost-cutting measures can lead to a lower-quality product with a shorter warranty period.

Big Box Stores may frequently change suppliers to minimize cost and maximize profit. Since suppliers change periodically, repair parts for a product may not be available after only a few years. Additionally, product service often requires the hassle of sending a part back to the manufacturer, not the Big Box Store where it was purchased.

Big Box Stores generally outsource installation and maintenance. They may have agreement with third parties to handle installation, but this is often a competitive bid-type arrangement. The company who can do it cheapest is probably the one that gets the job. In this arrangement, the maintenance person is not usually the same as the one who installed it. When the product malfunctions, inevitably the question arises as to whether it was properly installed or is actually malfunctioning. It can be a challenge to find a maintenance person who is knowledgeable about the product beyond installation.

Culligan offers a refreshing contrast:

Culligan makes and assembles their own products. Some components may come from outside the USA, but all Culligan products are designed and assembled in the USA by strict corporate guidelines which meet or exceed industry standards.

Culligan is ISO 9001 certified and no other water treatment company holds as many patents as Culligan. This ensures quality. These standards are strictly enforced on products, and operational efficiency is the driving goal.

Culligan is its own supplier. Pricing standards are the same for all Culligan dealers. Dealers can control the retail price based on local market demands, but the products are consistent and can be serviced by Culligan.

Only licensed dealers can sell, install, and maintain Culligan products. Dealers and technicians are specifically trained on Culligan products. Culligan International has been operating since 1934 and has more experience and knowledge than almost all other water treatment product vendors.

So how does choosing your local Culligan Man benefit you, the customer?

Only the highest quality equipment is offered at prices competitive for like quality products. The Culligan name is known internationally, and Culligan equipment adds value to your home. All of our offerings, from water softeners to whole-home systems to our various drinking water solutions are installed and maintained by experienced and trained technicians. A free water analysis is completed before any recommendation is made. We ensure the solution matches the need. Culligan offers long warranties and long-term support. Our customers get peace of mind that they have the best product and best water for home and family.